Swamy Says Arnab’s Use Of ‘Republic’ For His Channel Against Law, Asks Govt To Look Into It

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Subramanian Swamy has raised concerns over Arnab Goswami’s use of the word “Republic” for his upcoming news channel. He has written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to look into the use of the word and “determine if it is prohibited to issue a license under such a name”.

Swamy’s argument is that the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1950 prohibits the usage of certain names and emblems for professional and commercial purposes. The use of word “Republic” under item 6 of the schedule accompanying the statue, is also prohibited. This means that the grant of license to a news channel under the name “Republic” is contrary to law and will amount to the breach of Emblem act in force.

Swamy tweeted the letter he sent to the secretary at the MIB: